Adjustable current mode differential amplifier for multiple bias point sensing of MRAM having equi-potential isolation

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] The present invention pertains to the field of memory sense amplifiers. More particularly, this invention relates to memory differential sense amplifiers having adjustable sense and reference circuitry for sensing magnetic random access memory with equi-potential isolation.

[0004] 2. Background

[0005] In a random access memory (RAM) array, an amplifier is used to sense the state of an addressed memory cell and provide a signal representing the sensed state to the output of the array. This sense amplifier takes different forms, depending on the type of RAM array. In a static random access memory (SRAM) array or dynamic random access memory (DRAM) array, the memory is often volatile, that is, not retaining the data when the array is powered off. Such memories are often complex and require complex sensing circuitry such as steering (decoder) circuits and clocked, current mode amplifiers.

[0006] In contrast, a non-volatile memory array, such as a cross-point array, utilizes very simple compact memory cells, such as the cross-point type, concerned with long-term retention, high density and fast access. A non-volatile array may be a write-once type having a fuse or anti-fuse at each cross-point cell, or a multiple read-write variety, such as a magnetic random access memory (MRAM) array having cross-point magnetic cells each capable of changing between two or more states.

[0007] One problem with resistive memory arrays, such as arrays using MRAM cells, is the difficulty in accurately determining the logic state of a memory cell. This problem arises because the cell states are not measured by conductance or non-conductance, as in an anti-fuse memory. Rather the MRAM cell states are determined by minute differences in the conductivity of a thin insulating junction embedded within the MRAM memory cell caused by the relative direction of the magnetization of ferromagnetic layers adjacent to the thin insulating junction. Typically, the states of an MRAM cell are determined by a data magnetic layer having a magnetic moment either “parallel” or “anti-parallel” relative to a fixed magnetic layer. The states are measured by a difference in the resistance caused by the magnetism of the data layer being “parallel” or “anti-parallel” to the fixed layer. This resistance is sensed by the current flow through the insulation layer and the magnitude of the sense current is typically on the order of 500 nA, and the difference in the current between the “parallel” and the “anti-parallel” states is typically about 50 nA.

[0008] Accordingly, it is crucial to carefully sense small variations in the sensed current through a selected memory cell, in order to accurately determine the logic state of the cell. One common sense amplifier is a current mode sense amplifier where the memory cell current must be sensed by a circuit that depends on a precision current mirror as part of the sense amplifier. Thus, for current mode sense amplifiers, it is also important to provide an accurate “mirror” of the sensed current from the cell to the sense amplifier, as well as to provide a means of measuring the sensed current against a reliable standard to determine the state of the cell.

[0009] In addition, there is a greater need for higher density memory devices to meet the memory requirements of increasingly complex devices. This demand has lead to increased miniaturization and more compact data storage than ever before. Efforts are now underway to adapt technology to enable the storage of data on scale of nanometers to tens of nanometers, sometimes referred to as atomic resolution storage. This size reduction and compactness of memory devices requires smaller voltages and currents, resulting in the need for greater preciseness in measuring the currents and voltages to accurately determine the data in the cell.

[0010] In dealing with miniaturized circuits and extremely small currents and voltages, it is important to minimize the intrusive nature of the sensing function. Each element that is used in a sensing circuit may contribute to voltage and current distortions or leakages that will have an impact on the measurement accuracy of the sensor. Accordingly, it is imperative that a sense amplifier for high-density memory cells must minimize any intrusions into the memory matrix that could result in adverse affects on the parameters being sensed.

[0011] Voltage mode sense amplifiers sometimes require complex circuitry to achieve accuracy. For example, one voltage mode differential amplifier requires five transistors in a complex circuit to carry out the necessary sensing, as seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,262,625, granted to Perner et al. on Jul. 17, 2001. In that circuit, back gate digital controlled voltages are applied to a pair of transistors so that the sense amplifier offset parameters may be incrementally adjusted. Back gate digital control values are stored in a register memory to control the precision of the sense amplifier, further increasing the complexity of the sensing circuit.

[0012] Current mode sense amplifiers are sometimes used for high density, sensitive memory matrix sensing. However, current mode sense amplifiers tend to require a high level of component matching because of the limited dynamic range of such a circuit. If the current of the reference cell is substantially different than the current of the memory cell being sensed, the current mode sense amplifier may not be able to accurately determine the logic state of the memory cell. Adding components, such as additional sense resistors, may compensate for this limited range problem. However, the addition of components to a current sense circuit tends to adversely affect the circuits being sensed.

[0013] Other sense amplifiers use analog to digital conversion (ADC) to measure the sense and reference currents and compare them digitally. This approach is useful in extending the dynamic range of the components. However, the increased complexity of the sensing circuit is an important disadvantage.

[0014] In addition, in sensing the state of a memory cell in a memory cell array, secondary undesirable currents may be generated through unselected memory cells. All memory cells are coupled together through many parallel paths between the operating potential and ground. Consequently, in addition to the sense current flowing though the selected cell, secondary or sneak path currents can flow through a number of unselected cells. These combined sneak path currents can detract and even obscure the desired sense current through the selected memory cell.

[0015] Accordingly, a simple sensing amplifier is needed for measuring memory cell matrices at very low levels of sense currents and voltages. Sensing components are needed that will accurately mirror the sense parameters and reflect them to sensing circuit. In addition, a sense amplifier is needed that uses a small number of components so that the intrusion into a memory matrix is minimized. It is important that a sensing amplifier have a relatively wide dynamic range for accommodating different levels of currents and voltages. Finally, it is important for the sense amplifier to be able to sense parameters in an MRAM array having circuitry to minimize undesirable sneak path currents during the sensing process.

[0016] The present invention provides a useful and unique sensing circuit in the nature of an adjustable current mode differential sense amplifier. The amplifier is in communication with a selected memory cell and a reference cell having a predetermined value. The amplifier is able to sense current and voltage changes associated with the selected memory cell and compare them to current and voltage changes associated with the reference cell. The sense amp of the present invention further is able to sense memory cells while the unselected cells have equi-potential isolation to minimize secondary and sneak path currents in unselected memory cells.

[0017] The operating point of the sensing amplifier may be changed by modifying the threshold voltage of isolated transistors in the sense amplifier. This is accomplished in a non-invasive manner by applying a control voltage on back gate electrodes of the isolated transistors. This adjusting capability enables currents or voltages of the sense amplifier to be set when a first bias voltage is applied to a selected memory cell in order to maximize the sensitivity of the amplifier. When a second bias voltage is applied to the memory and reference cells in order to determine the memory cell value, the amplifier is able to sense slight changes in the currents or voltages associated with the selected memory cell and the reference cell and compare them to determine the state of the memory cell. This increased sensitivity enables the amplifier to have a substantially increased dynamic range without introducing components that might adversely affect the memory circuitry parameters.

[0018] An apparatus embodiment of the present invention comprises a sensing circuit for determining the logic state of a memory cell in a resistive memory device. The circuit includes a reference cell having a pre-selected logic state. A memory cell sensing circuit is adapted to determine a first memory cell voltage associated with the memory cell when a first bias voltage is impressed on the memory cell and to determine a second memory cell voltage associated with the memory cell when a second bias voltage is impressed on the memory cell. A reference cell sensing circuit is adapted to determine a first reference cell voltage associated with the reference cell when the first bias voltage is impressed on the reference cell and to determine a second reference voltage associated with the reference cell when the second biasing voltage is impressed on the reference cell. An isolation circuit applies an isolation voltage to both sides of each unselected memory cell, so that the unselected cells have effectively no current flowing through them. Thus, sneak current flow and secondary current flow are minimized. An adjusting circuit is used to modify either the first reference cell voltage or the first memory cell voltage so that the first reference cell voltage is equal to the first memory cell voltage at the first bias voltage. A state determining circuit is disposed to sense the difference between the second memory cell voltage and the second reference cell voltage at the second bias voltage in order to determine the logic state of the memory cell.

[0019] Similar to the above apparatus embodiment, a method embodiment of the present invention is a method for determining the logic state of a memory cell in a resistive memory device, using a reference cell previously set to a known logic state. The method comprises determining the logic state of a memory cell in a resistive memory device relative to a reference cell having a pre-selected logic state. A first memory cell voltage associated with the memory cell and a first reference cell voltage associated with the reference cell are sensed when a first bias voltage is impressed on the memory cell and the reference cell. An isolation voltage is applied on both sides of each unselected memory cell to effectively stop any current flow through the unselected cells. The first memory cell voltage or the first reference cell voltage is then adjusted using a non-invasive back gate control voltage so that the first reference cell voltage and the first memory cell voltage are approximately equal to each other. Next, a second memory cell voltage associated with the memory cell and a second reference cell voltage associated with the reference cell are sensed when a second bias voltage is applied to the memory cell and to the reference cell. Then the difference between the second memory cell voltage and the second reference cell voltage is measured to determine the logic state of the memory cell.

[0020] It should be understood that, for both the apparatus and method embodiments described above, rather than sensing and adjusting the first and second memory cell voltages and the first and second reference cell voltages, other parameters associated with the memory cell and reference cell, such as current or resistance, may be sensed and adjusted in order to determine the state of a selected memory cell. The scope of the present invention is meant to include selecting any parameter associated with the selected memory cell and the reference cell to be sensed and adjusted according to the principles of the present invention.

[0021] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which in conjunction with the accompanying drawings illustrates by way of example the principles of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a prior art resistive cross point memory device according to the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the prior art structure of a MRAM memory cell and the conductors connected thereto;

[0024] FIG. 3 is a graphical illustration of the resistance values of a MRAM memory cell measured as a function of applied bias voltage for two different logic states of the cell;

[0025] FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C are graphical illustrations showing the relationship between memory cell resistance to the reference cell resistance at various bias voltages, according to the present invention;

[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram showing the structure of a MRAM memory cell array and sensing elements, according to the present invention;

[0027] FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic abstract circuit diagrams depicting the relationship of the selected memory cell to the unselected memory cells in a MRAM memory cell array;

[0028] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict the schematic circuit diagrams of FIGS. 6A and 6B showing current flow through the memory cells;

[0029] FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram showing one embodiment of the sense amplifier with equi-potential isolation, according to the present invention; and

[0030] FIG. 9 is a schematic circuit diagram showing another embodiment of the sense amplifier with equi-potential isolation, according to the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a typical prior art cross-point memory array 10. The row conductors 12 running in one direction are referred to as the word lines, and the column conductors 14 extending in a second direction usually perpendicular to the first direction are referred to as the bit lines. The memory cells 16 are usually arranged in a square or rectangular array so that each memory cell unit 16 is connected with one word line 12 and an intersecting bit line 14.

[0032] In a resistive RAM array, the resistance of each memory cell has more than one state, and the data in the memory cell may be determined by measuring the resistive state of the cell. The resistive memory cells may include one or more magnetic layers, a fuse or anti-fuse, or any element that stores or generates information by affecting the magnitude of the nominal resistance of the element. Other types of resistive elements used in a resistive RAM array include poly-silicon resistors as part of a read-only memory, and floating gate transistors as part of optical memory, imaging devices or floating gate memory devices.

[0033] One type of resistive random access memory is a magnetic random access memory (MRAM), in which each memory cell is formed of a plurality of magnetic layers separated by insulating layers. One magnetic layer is called a pinned layer or reference layer, in which the magnetic orientation is fixed so as not to rotate in the presence of an applied magnetic field in the range of interest. Another magnetic layer is referred to as a sense layer or data layer, in which the magnetic orientation is variable between a state aligned with the state of the pinned layer and a state in misalignment with the state of the pinned layer. An insulating tunnel barrier layer sandwiches between the magnetic pinned layer and the magnetic sense layer. This insulating tunnel barrier layer allows quantum mechanical tunneling current to flow between the sense layer and the pinned layer when an external sense voltage is applied. The tunneling is electron spin dependent, causing the resistance of the memory cell to be a function of the relative orientations of the magnetizations of the sense layer and the pinned layer. The variations in the junction resistance for the two states of the sense layer determine the data stored in the memory cell. U.S. Pat. No. 6,169,686, granted to Brug et al. on Jan. 2, 2001 discloses such a magnetic memory cell memory.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 2, a MRAM memory cell is shown. Memory unit 16 is shown as a three-layer magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory cell 20. In each MTJ cell 20 a bit of information is stored according to the orientation of a changeable magnetic sense layer 22 of the cell 20. Usually, the cell 20 has two stable magnetic states corresponding to the logic states “1” and “0.” The two-way arrow 15 on the sense layer 22 shows this binary-state capability. A pinned layer 24 in the cell 20 is separated from the sense layer by a thin insulator 26. The resistance across the MTJ memory cell 20 is determined by the characteristics of thin insulator 26 and the orientation of the changeable magnetic sense layer 22.

[0035] Pinned layer 24 has a fixed magnetic orientation, such as shown by the one-way arrow 17 on layer 24. When the magnetic state of the sense layer 22 is oriented in the same direction as the direction of the magnetization of the pinned layer 24, the cell magnetization is referred to as “parallel.” Similarly, when the magnetic state of the sense layer 22 is oriented in the direction opposite to the direction of the magnetization of the pinned layer 24, the cell magnetization is referred to as “anti-parallel.” These orientations correspond to a low resistance state and a high resistance state, respectively. Arbitrarily, the parallel state might be considered to correspond to a “0” state or logic value of the memory cell and the anti-parallel state might be considered to correspond to a “1” state, although the assignment of “0” and “1” states might be reversed, if desired.

[0036] The magnetic state of a selected memory cell 20 may be changed by applying currents to a word line 12 and a bit line 14 crossing the selected memory cell. The currents produce two orthogonal magnetic fields that, when combined, will switch the magnetic orientation of the sense layer of the selected memory cell 20 between the parallel and anti-parallel states. Other unselected memory cells receive only a magnetic field from either the word line or the bit line crossing the unselected memory cells. The single field is not strong enough to change the magnetic orientation of the sense layer of the unselected cells, so they retain their magnetic orientation.

[0037] As explained above, in resistive memory cell devices, the difference in memory cell logic states is determined by the difference in resistance of a memory cell in a parallel state and in an anti-parallel state. As seen in graph 30 of FIG. 3, the resistance level of resistive cells, particularly MRAM cells, has been found to vary with the application of different levels of bias voltages to the cells. Generally, the resistance of resistive cells has been found to decrease with an increase in bias voltage. Cells in the anti-parallel state, shown by line 32, have a higher resistance value than cells in the parallel state, shown by line 34.

[0038] It has been found that the resistance of cells in the anti-parallel state normally decrease at a much more rapid rate than the resistance of cells in the parallel state with an increase in bias voltage, as can be seen by comparing the slope of line 32 to that of line 34. As is well known in the art, this dynamic difference in resistance at different bias voltages is a consistent trait of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) memory devices that is typically quantified by determining the tunneling magneto-resistance ratio (TMR) of a MTJ device.

[0039] This dynamic difference in the resistances of cells in the anti-parallel and parallel states has been exploited in a two-sample method described in co-pending patent application Ser. No. 10/055,299, entitled “System and Method For Determining the Logic State of a Memory Cell in a Magnetic Tunnel Junction Memory Device”. In this method the memory cell current is sampled at two different bias voltages, V₁and V₂, and the ratio of the first and second current values 36 and 37 (anti-parallel state) or 38 and 39 (parallel state) is compared to a predetermined value to determine the logic state of a memory cell. The predetermined value can be stored in a table or determined from a reference cell having a known logic state.

[0040] Since the slope or gradient of the curve 32 for the anti-parallel state is considerably greater than the slope of the curve 34 for the parallel state, the corresponding ratios of the two measurements at different bias voltages will easily determine the logic state of the memory cell.

[0041] In the present invention, the reference values are provided by a reference cell that is subjected to the same bias voltages as the memory cell. A sense circuit compares the currents in both the reference cell and the memory cell at selected bias voltages by comparing both the sense and reference currents in the sense circuit. The reference and sense currents result in reference and sense voltages at the input nodes of the sense circuit that vary depending on the bias voltages applied to the reference and memory cells. At a first bias voltage, the sense circuit is adjusted so that the first reference voltage is approximately the same value as the first sense voltage. This adjustment proportionately reduces the difference between the first reference voltage and the first sense voltage at the first bias voltage measurement point, thus enabling a close tuning of the circuit. Accordingly, the dynamic range of the current sampling is improved by eliminating common mode differences between the reference memory element and the sensed memory element.

[0042] The above arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C showing the relationship of an inferred, relative resistance of a memory cell to an inferred relative resistance of a reference cell for different bias voltages and at different memory cell logic states. This resistance relationship is also indicative of the differences in currents and voltages associated with a selected memory cell and the reference cell. The linear relationship of resistances is used here for purposes of simplicity of illustration of the principles applied in the present invention. As will be seen later, it is preferable to sense and adjust the currents indirectly by sensing and adjusting voltages associated with the selected memory cell and the reference cell.

[0043] By way of further explanation, FIGS. 4A-C are used to illustrate the concept of sensing a reference element in a known state and comparing it to the selected element. The basic parameter being determined is resistance. However, in this embodiment, the parameters that are actually being sensed by the sense amplifier are voltage and current. In the described sensing arrangement, the sense currents are modified by sneak paths, so it is impossible to make an absolute resistance measurement. Instead relative values of other parameters are sensed, from which resistance values are inferred. In FIGS. 4A-C, the y-axis is the inferred resistance which is a complex function of the applied voltage, amplifier offsets, and sneak path resistances.

[0044] As shown by line 40 in FIG. 4A, the reference cell resistance R_Ris set to the parallel state R_R(P). In this parallel state, a characteristic of the MRAM cell is a weak dependence on the bias voltage. Thus, there is little change in resistance as the bias voltage changes, so that line 40 has only a slight slope.

[0045] The selected memory cell resistance R_Mis either in a parallel state R_M(P), as shown by line 42, or an anti-parallel state R_M(AP), as shown by line 44. The voltage dependence of the resistance R_Mof the selected cell will be similar to that of the resistance R_Rof the reference cell. Thus, line 42 indicates that, if the selected cell is in the parallel state, there will be relatively little change in resistance R_M(P) with a change of bias voltage, compared to line 44 showing the greater slope or change of resistance R_M(AP) of the memory cell in the anti-parallel state with changes in bias voltage. Preferably, the reference cell is located physically near the selected memory cell so that the reference and memory cells share the same or very similar processing and environmental conditions.

[0046] It should be noted that the absolute resistance values of the resistances indicated in FIGS. 4A-4C of the selected memory cell and the reference cell do not have to be the same and, in fact, are assumed to be different. These differences in absolute values will not affect the above ratios, as will be explained in more detail below.

[0047] FIGS. 4B and 4C show the differences between the relative resistances R_Mand R_R, depending on whether the selected memory cell is in the parallel state (line 42) or the anti-parallel state (line 44), respectively. As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, regardless of the state of the memory cell at the point that the first voltage V₁is applied, the current through R_Rof the reference cell is adjusted so that it is nearly the same as the current through R_Mof the memory cell. The process of adjusting the current through R_Radjusts the amplifier offset parameters so that the inferred, relative resistance representing the reference element is approximately equal to the inferred, relative resistance representing R_M. Preferably, the current through R_Ris slightly less than the current through R_M, providing a small difference between the current values and a small difference between the inferred relative resistance values, shown as a delta difference 46 in both FIGS. 4B and 4C.

[0048] This adjustment in the current through R_Rof the reference cell at the time that V₁is applied results in a dramatic difference between currents at V₂, depending on the state of the memory cell. As shown in FIG. 4B, if the selected memory cell is in the parallel state, the inferred resistance R_Mhas little change between V₁and V₂, so a delta difference 48 between the inferred resistances R_Mand R_Rat bias voltage V₂is about the same as the delta difference 46 at bias voltage V₁. Accordingly the sensing circuit used to measure this difference will not change substantially in its output value.

[0049] In contrast, as shown in FIG. 4C, at the point where the bias voltage V₂is applied, the inferred relative resistance R_Mof the selected memory cell in the anti-parallel state shown by line 44 has dropped substantially below the inferred resistance R_Rof the reference cell, shown by line 40, resulting in a greater delta difference 49. Moreover, the lines 40 and 44 have crossed, which changes the sign of the delta difference 49.

[0050] Since current changes in the sense circuit correspond to inferred, relative resistance changes, the foregoing analysis is indicative of the resistances of the reference and memory cells. Thus, the logic state of the memory cell can be determined by comparing the values of the reference and memory cell currents at the second bias voltage point. If the difference 48 between the values of the memory cell and reference cell currents at the second bias voltage V₂is about the same as the difference 46 between the values of the memory cell and reference cell currents at the first bias voltage V₁, then the memory cell resistance is understood to be parallel, (which might be the logic value 0) as shown in FIG. 4B. If the values of the memory cell and reference cell currents have changed and there has been a cross-over of values, and the memory cell is anti-parallel. If the memory cell current is still higher than the reference current, the memory cell is parallel.

[0051] A similar analysis may be made for voltages at nodes associated with the memory cell and the reference cell, as will be seen in the discussion regarding the circuitry in FIG. 6.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 5, a resistive memory array 50 shows one context for the sensing circuit of the present invention. A row selector circuit 53 and a column decoder circuit 54 are connected to the memory array 50 to select a memory cell 56 by providing voltages on the appropriate row and column of cell 56. A sense amplifier 52 is connected through switch 58 in the column decoder circuit 54 to the bit line 60 of the selected memory cell 56. The row selector circuit 53 applies a voltage V_rowto the word line 62 of the selected memory cell 56, and a voltage V_readis applied to the bit line 60.

[0053] The same bit line voltage V_readis applied to all of the unselected cells along bit line 60. However, the unselected cells do not receive a word line voltage V_row, so they do not provide any substantial output current on the bit line 60. After selection of the memory cell, an amplifier (not shown) in the sense amp 52 acts to hold column 60 to the voltage V_read.

[0054] A memory controller 64 receives read control and select address signals 66 and provides the appropriate row and column select signals to the row select circuit 53 and the column decoder circuit 54 on lines 67 and 68, respectively. A comparator clock signal 69 is applied to sense amplifier 52, for purposes of clocking an op amp 76, shown in FIG. 6, if a timing pulse is desired. The op amp 76 controls a transmission gate to supply a variable voltage to the back gate of transistor 73, as discussed with respect to the circuitry in FIG. 6.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5, a reference element 57 is connected to word line 62 and reference column line 61. When the voltage V_rowselects memory cell 56 it also selects reference element 57. After selection, an operational amplifier (not shown) in the sense amplifier 52 acts to hold reference column 61 at read voltage V_read. Accordingly, reference element 57 is subject to the same voltages applied to the selected memory cell 56.

[0056] The sense amplifier 52 receives a signal current at S′ from cell 56 indicative of the data stored therein. Likewise, an output signal current at S″ from reference element 57 is applied through switch 59 to sense amplifier 52. In turn, sense amplifier 52 compares the sense current at S′ from the memory cell to the reference current at S″ and provides an output signal V₀indicative of the data stored in memory cell 56.

[0057] As previously mentioned one of the problems with MRAM arrays is the presence of secondary or “sneak” currents that take alternate paths through unselected memory cells between the selected row and column lines. It is desirable to minimize these sneak currents in order to minimize power loss and to enhance accuracy in the memory array.

[0058] FIG. 6A is an abstract diagram 80 representing the resistance of a selected memory cell relative to the combined resistances of the unselected memory cells in a memory array having m columns and n rows. The selected memory cell 82 is disposed between the selected word line (WL) 84 and the selected bit line (BL) 86 and has a resistance value abstractly represented by R.

[0059] There are m−1 other memory cells in the same word line or row 84 as the selected memory cell 82. Assuming the other memory cells each have nominally the same resistance value R, then they have a cumulative resistance value of R/(m−1), as shown by the equivalent resistance element 88. Similarly, there are n−1 other memory cells in the same bit line or column 86 as the selected memory cell 82. Assuming those other memory cells each nominally have the same resistance value R, then they have a cumulative resistance value of R/(n−1), as shown at resistance element 90. Finally, there are (m−1)(n−1) other memory cells in the rest of the memory array that are not located on the same word line and bit line as the selected memory cell. Assuming each of those memory cells has a value of R, then they have a cumulative resistance of R/(m−1)(n−1) and are represented by the resistance element 92.

[0060] Accordingly, the foregoing analysis indicates that the resistance in parallel with the selected memory cell is the combined resistance of all of the unselected memory cells R_Sis shown by the equation:

[0061] R_S=R/(m−1)+R/(n−1)+R/(m−1)(n−1)

[0062] Clearly, the resistance value R_Sof the cumulative unselected memory cells is far less than the resistance value R of the selected memory cell. For example, in a memory array having 1,000 word lines and 1,000 bit lines, the cumulative resistance of the unselected memory cells would be about {fraction (1/500)} of the resistance of the selected memory cell. Thus, the flow of the sneak current could be 500 times greater than the current flow through the selected memory cell.

[0063] In FIG. 6B, the flow of the current I_senthrough the selected memory cell 82 is shown by the flow line arrow 94. The flow of the cumulative sneak current I_sneakthrough all of the unselected memory cells, represented by abstract resistance elements 88, 90 and 92 is represented by the flow line arrow 96. As calculated above, the flow of the sneak current through the unselected memory cells is potentially much larger than the current through the selected memory cell. Without the application of some method to isolate or minimize the sneak path currents, they would totally obscure the sense current during a read operation on the selected memory cell.

[0064] The present invention effectively shuts off the sneak currents in the unselected memory cells by impressing substantially equal voltage values on both sides of each unselected memory cell. This action causes a zero voltage drop across the unselected cells and effectively stops the flow of sneak current through the unselected cells. This circuit configuration is referred to herein as “equi-potential isolation.”

[0065] Looking now at FIG. 7A, a circuit 100 is shown depicting one approach for shutting off the sneak current through the unselected memory cells. In this configuration, a voltage V_Uis applied to the unselected word lines 102, shown as being impressed on the cumulative resistances R_Sof the unselected memory cells connected to the selected BL. In this case, Rs=R/(n−1). Voltage V_Uis also applied to a sense amp 104 that leads to the selected bit line 106. Consequently, there is a V_U′ voltage on the node 108 connecting the selected and unselected word lines (WL).

[0066] A sense voltage V_Bis impressed on the selected WL connected to the other side of the selected memory cell R_M. Typically, V_Bis close to ground, resulting in a voltage drop across the selected memory cell R_Mand a sense current I_senthrough the selected memory cell R_M. It can be seen that it would be desirable to set V_U′ to be essentially equal to V_U. Assuming that could be done, the voltage drop across the cumulative resistance of the unselected memory cells R_Swould become essentially zero, effectively cutting off the sneak path current I_sneak.

[0067] In FIG. 7B, a circuit is shown for accomplishing the desired voltage adjustment indicated in FIG. 7A. A similar circuit is utilized in a “triple sample” approach to sensing a memory cell, described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,188,615 (Perner et al.), granted Feb. 13, 2001.

[0068] The state of the selected memory cell 112 is determined and stored by a digital sense amplifier 114. First, sense amplifier 114 applies a reset signal to turn on switch 116, thereby applying V_DDto an integrator capacitor 118. Voltage V_DDis also applied through pass transistor 120 to node 113 which is connected to the memory cell 112 and to all the unselected memory cells, represented by R_S. Pass transistor 120 is controlled by calibrated op-amp 122 having a positive input of V_Uand negative input of V_U′. Pass transistor 120 and op-amp 122 effectively constitute a direct injection charge amplifier providing the current I_sento flow through R_M. Pass transistor 120 and op-amp 122 effectively make V_U′ equivalent to V_Uafter op-amp 122 has been properly calibrated. V_Uis applied to the word lines of the unselected memory cells, so that there is effective equi-potential isolation across the unselected memory cells connected to the selected BL.

[0069] The integrator capacitor 118 is charged as current also flows from V_DDthrough the memory cell 112. After the circuit has reached a stable operating condition and the integrator capacitor has been charged, switch 116 is turned off, thereby discharging the capacitor 118 through the memory cell 112. The amount of time required for capacitor 118 to discharge through memory cell 112 is a function of the resistance of the memory cell. This value is stored in sense amplifier 114 as the initial sample value. Then memory cell 112 is set to one memory state and is sampled again. Next, the memory cell is set to the opposite memory state and is sampled a third time. The cumulative value of those three samplings is then used by the sense amplifier to determine the initial value of the memory cell. Finally, the initial value of the memory cell is restored to the memory cell 112, hence the “triple sample” nomenclature.

[0070] Looking now at FIG. 8, an embodiment of the present invention is shown that provides equi-potential isolation without requiring a triple sample operation, by utilizing sense amplifier circuitry 130 and MRAM circuitry 140. Sense amplifier circuit 130 applies the concepts discussed with regard to FIGS. 4A-C above in the context of sensing and adjusting voltages associated with a selected memory cell and the reference cell. Sense amplifier 130 is an adjustable current mode differential amplifier (ACMDA) having a back gate bias control mechanism for adjusting the threshold voltage of the memory cell sensing circuit. The ACMDA is basically a current mirror with an adjustable device. In this embodiment, P channel MOSFET transistors are used. However, it is possible to use N channel transistors, as shown later. NPN or PNP bipolar transistors may also be used to accomplish the purpose of the invention. The structure and operation of sense amplifier 130 is shown and described in Applicants' application entitled “Adjustable Current Mode Differential Amplifier”, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,590,804.

[0071] In FIG. 8, the gates of a “slave” transistor 132 and a “master” transistor 133 are connected together to form a mirror device. The mirror device is adjusted so that the V_DSvoltage (drain to source voltage, not shown) across the slave transistor 132 is equal to the V_DSvoltage across the master transistor 133. Since identical voltages V_DDare applied to the sources of transistors 132 and 133 and since the voltages V_DSacross the two transistors are equal, the voltages V_Rand V_Sat the drain nodes of transistors 132 and 133, respectively, will be equal as well.

[0072] The gate of the master transistor 133 is connected to the drain of the master transistor 133 by connector 135. This connection creates a control potential V_GS(gate to source voltage, not shown) between the master gate and the master source, based on the drain current I_D, which is the same as I_senas shown. The control potential V_GSis applied to the gate of the slave transistor 132 which in turn develops a drain current I_Din slave transistor 132, which is the same as I_ref, as shown. Since V_Sis equal to V_R, then I_senand I_refwill be proportional to the physical design and size of the respective transistors. The sense and reference currents I_refand I_senflow through memory cell and reference cell circuitry 140 associated with the memory cell R_Mand the reference cell R_R.

[0073] It is important to understand that the voltage V_DSacross the master transistor 133 is equal to the voltage V_DSacross the slave transistor 132. When these voltages are equal, the relationship between the respective currents I_refand I_senis determined by only the physical parameters of the respective transistors 133 and 132. If there is an imbalance in currents, the voltage relationship will indicate the current imbalance and the direction of the current imbalance.

[0074] The drain of the master transistor 133 is connected to a node 131 having a voltage V_Swhich is the negative input of an operational amplifier 136. The drain of the slave transistor 132 is connected to a node 141 having a voltage V_Rthat is the positive input of the operational amplifier 136. The op-amp 136 output V₀is connected to a transmission gate 137 that selectively connects a ramp generator 138 to the back gate 134 of master transistor 133. A capacitor 139 is connected in parallel with back gate 134 to maintain the voltage of the back gate.

[0075] The connection between the sense amplifier 130 and circuitry 140 incorporating the memory cell and the reference cell can take different forms. The form shown in FIG. 8 is adapted to sense memory cells having equi-potential isolation as defined and described herein. Pass transistor 142 is connected in series between node 141, having reference voltage V_R, and node 148 having a voltage V_U″. Pass transistor 142 is operated by op-amp 143, so that the two elements effectively provide a direct injection charge amplifier, similar to that shown in FIG. 7B. Likewise, pass transistor 144 is connected in series between node 131, having sense voltage V_Sand node 149 having a voltage V_U′. Pass transistor 144 is operated by op-amp 145 to effectively constitute a direct injection charge amplifier.

[0076] Node 149 is the common point between the unselected memory cells, represented by R_S, and each MTJ junction cell R_M, similar to node 113 in FIG. 7B. Likewise node 148 is a common point between the unselected memory cells R_Sand each MTJ reference cell R_R. Nodes 148 and 149 represent the columns or bit lines of the memory cells. The voltage V_Uis applied to the positive inputs of op-amps 143 and 145, as well as to the unselected word lines connected to the unselected memory cells R_S. It should be noted that the nodes 148 and 149 for V_U′ and V_U″ in FIG. 8 correspond to bit lines 60 and 61, respectively, in FIG. 5. Similarly, resistors R_Mand R_Rin FIG. 8 correspond to the memory elements 56 and 57, respectively, in FIG. 5.

[0077] As earlier discussed, the manner in which op-amp 143 and pass transistor 142 are connected effectively make V_Uequal to V_U. Likewise the manner in which op-amp 145 and pass transistor 144 are connected effectively make V_U′ equal to V_U. Hence, the voltage drop across the unselected memory cells R_Sis effectively zero, thereby applying equi-potential isolation to-the unselected memory cells.

[0078] A bias voltage V_Bis applied to the word line for selected memory cell R_M. As will be shown below the bias voltage V_Bwill be applied at two different levels, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4A-C. The first bias voltage V_B(1)is applied to enable the sense circuit 130 to adjust the voltages V_Sand V_Rto be effectively equal to each other. The second bias voltage V_B(2)is then applied to determine the state of the memory cell R_M.

[0079] The first step in setting up the sense amplifier 130 is to establish the back gate bias connection for setting V_Sequal to V_Rat given initial values of I_senand I_refwhere N times I_refequals I_sen. N is the physical mirror ratio, defined as: N=(W/L_ref)/(W/L_sen). If N=1, then the slave current I_refwill be equal to the master current I_senwhen V_S=V_R. However, the variation of the back gate voltage V_BG(not shown), applied to just the master transistor 133 may require potentials greater than V_DDto adjust the threshold of the master transistor 133 so that I_senis equal to I_ref. In principle, this can be done, but in practice it is difficult to generate voltages greater than the supply voltage V_DD.

[0080] Therefore, N is set to be greater than 1, so that only voltages less then V_DDneed to be applied to the back gate to achieve a V_S=V_Rbalance for the applied I_senand I_ref. One embodiment uses N equal to 2 in a 3.3 volt, 0.5 micron CMOS technology, where W/L is 20/1 for the slave transistor and W/L is 10/1 for the master transistor, I_senand I_refare approximately equal at about 500 nanoamps and the back gate voltage V_BGis about 3.2 volts. Similar relationships and values would apply for N channel transistors and bipolar transistor circuits.

[0081] To establish the back gate bias connection mentioned above, one technique is to use a basic five transistor CMOS op-amp 136 having V_Sand V_Ras inputs. Op-amp 136 determines when V_Sis greater than or less than V_Rand applies an output signal V_Oto a transmission gate 137. This output signal opens the transmission gate 137 and connects a ramp generator 138 to the back gate of the master transistor 133, thereby adjusting the operating point of the master transistor 133 so that V_Ris approximately equal to V_S. At that point, the output signal V_Ochanges, closing the transmission gate 137 and disconnecting the ramp generator 138 from the back gate of the master transistor 133.

[0082] The following sequence gives the steps in greater detail for adjusting the back gate voltage of the master transistor 133 to set V_Rapproximately equal to V_Swith a first bias voltage V_B(1)applied to the selected memory cell and the reference cell:

[0083] (1) Start with V_BG“master”=V_DD.

[0084] (2) I_sen(at V_BG=V_DD) is greater than I_sen(at V_BGsuch that V_Ris equal to V_S), so that I_senis greater than I_ref.

[0085] (3) V_BG=V_DDsetup leads to V_Ris greater than V_Sleads to V_Oapproximately equals V_DD, which is a logic 1.

[0086] (4) V_O=logic 1 is applied to turn ON the transmission gate. Transmission gate ON leads to V_BG=V_ramp

[0087] (5) The backgate voltage is linearly reduced from V_DDto a second lower voltage. (If V_DDis 3.3 volts the second lower voltage may be 3.0 volts.)

[0088] (6) At some time during the application of V_rampthe backgate voltage will reach a point where V_S=V_R. At that point, the op-amp 136 will switch its output from a logic 1 to a logic 0. The transmission gate 137 will be turned off, isolating the back gate voltage V_BGfrom V_rampand storing the value of V_ramp(for V_R=V_S) on the back gate node 134 of master transistor 133 for the duration of the sensing function by means of a capacitor 139.

[0089] (7) At this point the setup is complete. The back gate voltage V_BGis stored for the duration of the sensing step. This action maintains V_Rand V_Ssubstantially equal during the sensing function, so that I_senand I_refwill vary with the sensing of a memory cell and reference cell, respectively.

[0090] The ACMDA is now ready to sense the state of memory cells. A second bias voltage V_B(2)is applied at a higher value than the first bias voltage V_B(1). If I_senchanges so that I_senis less than I_ref, V_Rwill be pulled down so that V_Sis greater than V_R. At that point, the output V_Oof op-amp 136 will go to a logic “0”. If I_senis greater than I_ref, V_Swill get pulled down so that V_Ris greater than V_Sand the output V_Oof the op-amp 136 will go to a logic “1”.

[0091] The above embodiment describes adjusting the back gate voltage of the master (sense) transistor, in order to make the sense voltage and the reference voltage equal to each other. It is understood that the back gate voltage of the slave (reference) transistor may be adjusted instead or both back gate voltages may be adjusted to accomplish the same result.

[0092] Looking now at FIG. 9, N channel MOSFET transistors in a P-well CMOS process are applied instead of the P channel transistors used in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8. Accordingly, the circuitry layout is essentially an inverted mirror image of the circuitry shown in FIG. 8. A master transistor 154 and a slave transistor 152 have common gates connected together, which are also connected by line 156 to the drain of transistor 154. The drain of transistor 154 is also connected to a node 161 having a voltage V_Sforming the positive input to an op-amp 158. The drain of transistor 152 is also connected to a node 171 having a voltage V_Rforming the negative input to op-amp 158. The output of op-amp 158 controls a transmission gate 160 that selectively connects a ramp generator 162 to the back gate of master transistor 154.

[0093] The sense amplifier 150 is also connected to MRAM circuitry 170 as shown. Specifically, pass transistor 172 is connected in series between node 171, having reference voltage V_R, and node 178 having a voltage V_U″. Pass transistor 172 is operated by op-amp 173, so that the two elements effectively provide a direct injection charge amplifier, similar to that shown in FIGS. 7B and 8. Likewise, pass transistor 174 is connected in series between node 161, having sense voltage V_Sand node 179 having a voltage V_U′. Pass transistor 174 is operated by op-amp 175 to effectively constitute a direct injection charge amplifier.

[0094] Node 179 is the common point between the unselected memory cells, represented by R_S, and each MTJ junction cell R_M, similar to node 113 in FIG. 7B. Likewise node 178 is a common point between the unselected memory cells R_Sand each MTJ reference cell R_R. Nodes 178 and 179 represent the columns or bit lines of the memory cells. The voltage V_Uis applied to the positive inputs of op-amps 173 and 175, as well as to the unselected word lines connected to the unselected memory cells R_S. It should be noted that the nodes 178 and 179 for V_Rand V_Sin FIG. 9 correspond to bit lines 60 and 61, respectively, in FIG. 5. Similarly, resistors R_Mand R_Rin FIG. 9 correspond to the memory elements 56 and 57, respectively, in FIG. 5.

[0095] As earlier discussed, the manner in which op-amp 173 and pass transistor 172 are connected effectively make V_U′ equal to V_U. Likewise the manner in which op-amp 175 and pass transistor 174 are connected effectively make V_U′ equal to V_U. Hence, the voltage drop across the unselected memory cells R_Sis effectively zero, thereby applying equi-potential isolation to the unselected memory cells.

[0096] A bias voltage V_Bis applied to the word line for selected memory cell R_M. As will be shown below the bias voltage V_Bwill be applied at two different levels, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4A-C. The first bias voltage V_B(1)is applied to enable the sense circuit 150 to adjust the voltages V_Sand V_Rto be effectively equal to each other. The second bias voltage V_B(2)is then applied to determine the state of the memory cell R_M.

[0097] One of the advantages of the above described ACMDA circuits is that a simple differential current sensor circuit using the back gate bias techniques can be applied to sense selected memory cells using a reference cell for applications where the initial currents through the respective memory and reference cells are not equal. When the current relationship of the memory and reference cell changes, the sensor circuit will detect the changes and compare the changes to determine the state of the selected memory cell.

[0098] Another advantage is that the ACMDA circuitry can sense memory cells without interference of sneak currents because the memory array has equi-potential isolation.

[0099] Although the above embodiments are representative of the present invention, other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of this specification and the appended claims, or from a practice of the embodiments of the disclosed invention. It is intended that the specification and embodiments therein be considered as exemplary only, with the present invention being defined by the claims and their equivalents.